Thorbjørn Olesen won his seventh DP World Tour title by four strokes at the Thailand Classic.
The Dane started the final round at Amata Spring Country Club with a two-stroke lead, but quickly increased his advantage to four after birdies on his opening two holes whose last DP World Tour victory came at the 2022 Betfred British Masters hosted by Danny Willett
He carded another birdie at the sixth hole but then had to stay patient as six consecutive pars allowed countryman Nicolai Højgaard to move to within two strokes as the 21-year-old made three birdies in a row after the turn.
But Olesen kept his nerve as he carded a hat-trick of birdies of his own from the 13th hole to move five strokes clear. He parred his remaining three holes to sign for a bogey-free six under par 66 and a 24 under par total.
“I felt like I had some really good chances to make birdies and didn’t really capitalise on them. It’s a bonus on two tough holes to make those two birdies (13 & 14), it really pulled me out and made me feel more comfortable on the last few holes. It felt really good today, it felt steady, like I was in control and I just enjoyed playing golf today, which was very nice.
“It’s very special. The one at the British Masters was incredible, with my family and a long time since the last one. But equally this one, all the hard work, the sacrifice for my wife. It’s really nice" said Olesen.
Yannik Paul recorded his best result of the 2023 Race to Dubai as he finished second on 20 under par, two strokes ahead of 2022 Challenge Tour graduate and fellow German Alexander Knappe. While making up the trio in second was Joost Luiten of the Netherlands.
Højgaard finished on 17 under par in a share of fifth with Hero Cup teammate Antoine Rozner of France and 2016 Ryder Cup player Rafa Cabrera Bello who resides in Dubai.
